Online funds drive for Kenyan nurse in US sexual assault case sparks debate
Popular Kenyan TikToker and nurse Abedinecho Katue.
What you need to know:
- Abedinecho Katue was arrested on allegations of sexually molesting an amputated woman by touching her inappropriately while she was confined to a hospital bed.
- Some Kenyans questioned why the nurse cannot afford to hire a lawyer on his own, given the fact that nurses are among the highly paid workers in America.
An appeal for funds to help hire an advocate to represent a Kenyan nurse arrested in Florida, USA, and charged on allegations of sexual assault involving a disabled patient has triggered controversy over the contributions.
The appeal for funds was initiated online by Naomi Wairimu, who called on well-wishers to contribute at least $5,000 (around Sh646,671) for Abedinecho Katue to get a lawyer before Monday next week, when his case comes up in Orlando, Florida.
However, some Kenyans have questioned why a person suspected of serious crimes of sexual assault should be helped to hire a lawyer.
Some also questioned why the nurse cannot afford to hire a lawyer on his own, given the fact that nurses are among the highly paid workers in America.
In addition, some online commentators, who appeared to be mostly Kenyans, pointed out that legal representation for the nature of the crime Katue is facing attracts tens of thousands of dollars and wondered whether Wairimu was asking for $50,000 or $5,000.
The appeal shared on a social platform for Kenyans in the diaspora read: “Kenyans living in the United States are racing against time to raise $5,000 to hire a lawyer for Kenyan nurse Abedinecho Kyalo Katue, who was recently arrested in Orlando, Florida.”
“A Kenyan woman based in the US, Naomi Wairimu, took to Facebook appealing to the community to urgently contribute toward legal fees, saying the nurse must be represented by an attorney in court by 8am Orlando time,” the message continued.
Sexually molested
“This case, in my personal opinion, can be won easily but only with proper legal representation. Please let us save this young man,” Ms Wairimu wrote, while urging Kenyans to contribute.
Wairimu provided accounts for willing contributors based in America and those in Kenya.
Police in Orlando city, in the State of Florida, arrested the 46-year-old Katue, alleging that he had sexually molested an amputated woman by touching her inappropriately while she was confined to a hospital bed.
After the alleged inappropriate touching, police said Katue left the hospital in what appeared to be an attempt to flee the institution.
The suspect was later apprehended and is currently being held at Orange County Jail without bond.
A Kenyan who described herself on Facebook as Gold Den said it was important for male nurses to be careful when dealing with female patients, including having someone else present.
Another Kenyan, Sonnie wa Nyamu, pointed out: “For the last three years I work in a hospital with cameras everywhere, but the patient rooms are camera-free. Everywhere else unamlikwa (you are under surveillance).”
Kebby Edna said: “Rather than judging, let's take a moment to pray for God's intervention and for this brother to be set free.”
Another Kenyan posted that if the accused was innocent, he would be set free, observing that American institutions keep cameras everywhere except in someone’s bedroom and bathroom. The Kenyan warned that if the suspect is a sex offender, he would face the consequences.
Francis Kombe said: “There are a lot of false accusations against men (black) in this country. I hope the incident is investigated thoroughly. He must be treated innocent until found guilty by the courts of law, period.”
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